My 96 RL has become quite bumpy the last several months (160,000 miles on factory struts) and when the weather here in Minnesota warms up, I think I will be replacing the struts all the way around. Previously, there have been posts that indicated that there were no after-market struts available for the RL, but now I am finding two makers of stock replacement struts/shocks.

It appears that Monroe makes a replacement strut for the RL (Sensa-Trac) and KYB also makes the GR-2/Excel-G for the RL. Both can be had for much less that OEM replacements.

My question is of anyone has used either of the struts listed above and which would be better and why. Also, what else should I be replacing with the struts? Is a strut-mate bearing plate the same thing as strut bushings and should those also be replaced? I have no desire to lower the car. I just want the smooth riding RL that I had been accustomed to, one that swallows up all the bumps.

My 96 RL has become quite bumpy the last several months (160,000 miles on factory struts) and when the weather here in Minnesota warms up, I think I will be replacing the struts all the way around. Previously, there have been posts that indicated that there were no after-market struts available for the RL, but now I am finding two makers of stock replacement struts/shocks.

It appears that Monroe makes a replacement strut for the RL (Sensa-Trac) and KYB also makes the GR-2/Excel-G for the RL. Both can be had for much less that OEM replacements.

My question is of anyone has used either of the struts listed above and which would be better and why. Also, what else should I be replacing with the struts? Is a strut-mate bearing plate the same thing as strut bushings and should those also be replaced? I have no desire to lower the car. I just want the smooth riding RL that I had been accustomed to, one that swallows up all the bumps.

Many thanks for any contributions to this thread.

I guess you have to replace your rear strut springs first. Those springs make your car saggy.

For struts, you can use 91-95 G2 Legend aftermarket parts. The rear struts are direct fit but the front struts need a pair of front strut forks from G2 Legend since the diameter of the front strut body is bigger for G2 Legend than RL.

I ended up finally replacing all 4 shocks in my 96 RL (170,000). I found a good deal on some KYB's on ebay. You do not have to take out the back seat to replace the rear shocks, but you do need to take out the back speakers. I also needed to rent a spring compressor. Two of my shocks were dead (no gas). The car is a little stiff now, but will get smoother over time.

I replaced my '97 springs and struts with low-mile '03 springs/struts. The ride is night and day difference. Easy install since I didn't have to separate the coils and struts. Rear doesn't sag any more and no more Buick-style bobbing and rolling in the corners. '02-'04 1st Gens had a much improved suspension. I swapped the rear anti-roll bar as well...even bigger difference. It's no TL Type-S, but it's much much better. I actually enjoy driving it now. Just another option....

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